Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The successful candidate will lead the local CSR strategy for DKSH Performance Materials in France, acting as the primary point of contact for all sustainability initiatives within the country. This includes managing the carbon footprint (Bilan Carbone), establishing action plans, and reporting progress to the Global Sustainability team to ensure local actions align with international goals. You will also be responsible for the client-facing side of sustainability , responding to ESG inquiries from partners and managing the company’s performance on platforms like EcoVadis. Beyond technical tasks, a significant portion of the role involves animating an internal CSR committee to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among French employees.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

This position offers a unique chance to gain expertise in global-local sustainability governance within a massive multinational framework. You will develop deep technical knowledge in carbon accounting methodologies and be at the forefront of evolving European CSR regulations, gaining insights into how large-scale distribution networks adapt to climate mandates. Additionally, exposure to various business units like Performance Materials and Healthcare provides a rare overview of how ESG strategies vary across industries . You will likely advance your skills in stakeholder negotiation and change management by coordinating between local management in Lyon and the headquarters in Switzerland.

Q: What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on value chain decarbonization and operational efficiency. In the context of a distribution and market expansion firm like DKSH, this involves scrutinizing transport, logistics, and the environmental credentials of represented brands. Governance and reporting transparency are also central, particularly regarding third-party ESG ratings . You will likely spend significant time ensuring the French entity contributes accurately to the Group's net-zero ambitions and circular economy objectives, specifically within the Performance Materials business unit.

Q: What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One major challenge will be bridging global strategy with local reality , ensuring that the French branch meets Swiss headquarters' standards without losing operational agility. Negotiating with diverse internal teams who may have competing priorities can also be intensive. Furthermore, keeping pace with rapidly changing ESG regulations and data requirements across different markets requires high mental flexibility and a meticulous eye for detail, especially when managing complex carbon data sets for multiple product lines.

Q: How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical morning might start with a coordination meeting with the Global CSR team in Switzerland to discuss reporting deadlines, followed by a data review session for the latest Bilan Carbone calculation. You might then shift to drafting responses for a major client’s sustainability questionnaire. In the afternoon, you could find yourself leading a CSR committee workshop in Lyon to brainstorm local waste reduction initiatives or meeting with the local HR team to integrate sustainability into employee onboarding. The day often ends with a regulatory watch to monitor upcoming environmental laws.

Q: What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Success in this role could lead to regional or global ESG leadership positions within DKSH, given the company's vast international footprint. As the French market is a key pillar of their European operations, high performance here will be highly visible to senior executives. There is also potential to specialize further into sustainable supply chain management or climate strategy, potentially moving into roles that oversee larger geographical clusters or specific business units like Consumer Goods or Healthcare.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include the Global CSR Manager , local department heads in France, and the members of the CSR committee you will animate. You will work closely with procurement and logistics teams to track carbon data and operational impacts. Externally, you will interact with clients and suppliers who need ESG documentation, as well as auditors and representatives from rating platforms like EcoVadis. These interactions are often focused on compliance, performance verification, and building sustainable business partnerships.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The successful candidate will lead the local CSR strategy for DKSH Performance Materials in France, acting as the primary point of contact for all sustainability initiatives within the country. This includes managing the carbon footprint (Bilan Carbone), establishing action plans, and reporting progress to the Global Sustainability team to ensure local actions align with international goals. You will also be responsible for the client-facing side of sustainability, responding to ESG inquiries from partners and managing the company’s performance on platforms like EcoVadis. Beyond technical tasks, a significant portion of the role involves animating an internal CSR committee to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among French employees.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

This position offers a unique chance to gain expertise in global-local sustainability governance within a massive multinational framework. You will develop deep technical knowledge in carbon accounting methodologies and be at the forefront of evolving European CSR regulations, gaining insights into how large-scale distribution networks adapt to climate mandates. Additionally, exposure to various business units like Performance Materials and Healthcare provides a rare overview of how ESG strategies vary across industries. You will likely advance your skills in stakeholder negotiation and change management by coordinating between local management in Lyon and the headquarters in Switzerland.

Question 3

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

Accepted Answer

The ideal profile typically holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development or Environmental Science and brings 3 to 5 years of professional experience in a dedicated CSR role. Proficiency in carbon footprinting and a solid understanding of ESG reporting frameworks are essential technical prerequisites. Soft skills are just as vital; DKSH looks for an autonomous project manager who is fully bicultural in French and English. You should be capable of independent decision-making while maintaining the diplomatic skills required to influence teams that do not report to you directly.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability concepts and highlight your practical experience with carbon accounting tools or previous EcoVadis submissions. Given DKSH's industrial focus, demonstrating an understanding of the specific sustainability challenges within the chemical or manufacturing supply chain will give you a significant advantage. As this is a bilingual role, ensure your application reflects a high level of professional English proficiency. Prepare to discuss how you have previously overcome resistance to CSR initiatives, showcasing your ability to translate sustainability goals into clear business benefits for operational teams.

Question 5

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on value chain decarbonization and operational efficiency. In the context of a distribution and market expansion firm like DKSH, this involves scrutinizing transport, logistics, and the environmental credentials of represented brands. Governance and reporting transparency are also central, particularly regarding third-party ESG ratings. You will likely spend significant time ensuring the French entity contributes accurately to the Group's net-zero ambitions and circular economy objectives, specifically within the Performance Materials business unit.

Question 6

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

Accepted Answer

One major challenge will be bridging global strategy with local reality, ensuring that the French branch meets Swiss headquarters' standards without losing operational agility. Negotiating with diverse internal teams who may have competing priorities can also be intensive. Furthermore, keeping pace with rapidly changing ESG regulations and data requirements across different markets requires high mental flexibility and a meticulous eye for detail, especially when managing complex carbon data sets for multiple product lines.

Question 7

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

Accepted Answer

A typical morning might start with a coordination meeting with the Global CSR team in Switzerland to discuss reporting deadlines, followed by a data review session for the latest Bilan Carbone calculation. You might then shift to drafting responses for a major client’s sustainability questionnaire. In the afternoon, you could find yourself leading a CSR committee workshop in Lyon to brainstorm local waste reduction initiatives or meeting with the local HR team to integrate sustainability into employee onboarding. The day often ends with a regulatory watch to monitor upcoming environmental laws.

Question 8

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Accepted Answer

Success in this role could lead to regional or global ESG leadership positions within DKSH, given the company's vast international footprint. As the French market is a key pillar of their European operations, high performance here will be highly visible to senior executives. There is also potential to specialize further into sustainable supply chain management or climate strategy, potentially moving into roles that oversee larger geographical clusters or specific business units like Consumer Goods or Healthcare.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

Internal stakeholders include the Global CSR Manager, local department heads in France, and the members of the CSR committee you will animate. You will work closely with procurement and logistics teams to track carbon data and operational impacts. Externally, you will interact with clients and suppliers who need ESG documentation, as well as auditors and representatives from rating platforms like EcoVadis. These interactions are often focused on compliance, performance verification, and building sustainable business partnerships.

Specialist Sustainability France

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